Why is my fish struggling to swim, jumping, or lying at the bottom?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish | 0 lbs
My fish strugglus gettingbto the top. Often jumps out the water. And lies on the bottom.all water levels are fine. There 2 in a 65ltr tank bout an inch each
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 23rd, 2017
Check the water quality and temperature. Warm water will not hold as much oxygen as cool water and goldfish are cold water fish. Ideal water temp is about 21 C. Use a home water test kit to check parameters. Ammonia and nitrites should read 0ppm (parts per million) and nitrates can be 40ppm or less. If you don't have a test kit, most pet stores or aquarists will test a sample for free or for a nominal fee. Ensure adequate filtration and oxygenation. Use a filter that will comfortably handle twice the volume of your tank. An airstone will increase oxygenation. A tank hood or cover is recommended to prevent fish from jumping out.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 24th, 2017
Certain species of goldfish are slow swimmers and not very active. This is normal and of no cause for concern. Check water quality using a home test kit. High ammonia or nitrite levels can be toxic and may affect activity. Both should read 0 ppm (parts per million) at all times. Nitrates should read 40ppm or less. if you don't have a test kit, you can submit a sample for testing. Most pet stores or aquarists will perform testing for free or for a nominal fee. Check temperature as well. Although goldfish are cold water fish, temps that are too low can also affect activity. Ideal water temperature is about 70 F (21 C).
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
Hi I have a gold fish which barley ever swims and sits at the bottom of the tank most the time. I have looked for any signs of a disease and found non He has a filter and regular water changes and the tank is plenty big egnouf. Any ideas? Thanks
Certain species of goldfish are slow swimmers and not very active. This is normal and of no cause for concern. Check water quality using a home test kit. High ammonia or nitrite levels can be toxic and may affect activity. Both should read 0 ppm (parts per million) at all times. Nitrates should read 40ppm or less. if you don't have a test kit, you can submit a sample for testing. Most pet stores or aquarists will perform testing for free or for a nominal fee. Check temperature as well. Although goldfish are cold water fish, temps that are too low can also affect activity. Ideal water temperature is about 70 F (21 C).
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My fish can't swim correctly, he can't swim. And at first I thought his fin was missing but she has all his fins. So why could she be swimming like this. Is it hurt please help. He is just a fish but he has been around for 1yr and 1/2 so the Thou
Check water chemistry and temperature. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence, 0 ppm, of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. Perform partial water changes if necessary to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 65 F and 72 F.
Goldfish can also become constipated which may affect swimming. Fast him/her for 3 days then resume feeding bits of cooked and shelled green peas until swimming is normal.
If this doesn't help, consider an "all in one" treatment, such as Lifeguard (by Tetra). Find it in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Two of the fish fins are clamping down close to their body. I did 75% water change and hopefully they will get better. I do not have the water testing kit. Will buy soon. Is there any ways to get them better? I could see some of their scales are off.
Goldfish need powerful filtration. Your filter should be rated for at least twice the tank volume. Once you get a test kit, check the chemistry. Aim for 0 ppm ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at about 40ppm. Use a kit that has liquid reagents, not strips. The liquid kit is more accurate. The pH should range between 7.2-7.6. Being cold water fish, goldfish thrive between 65F and 72F. You can dissolve 1 teaspoon of plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) per gallon of water to use as a general tonic. It will reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess the condition of your fish. When performing partial water changes, treat only the volume of water being replaced not the entire tank volume. Change no more than 30% of the volume at a time. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My fish fantail goldfish Mort has become very lethargic. He usually comes up to the top for his food but recently he has just been lying on the bottom of the tank. He still eats but seems tired. I've had him about 8 years now.
Check the water chemistry first. You can use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20ppm or less. Perform a partial water change, if indicated, to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 68 F and 72 F. You can use plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve up to 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. In the absence of other symptoms, medication would not be recommended at this time.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi, one of my goldfish not moving and stays at the bottom of the tank, compares to other goldfish which able to eat and normal behavior.. But I've changed to clean water and cleanse the filter and with good nutrition food for them.. What could I hel
Since the others in the tank are behaving normally, this one may be sick or injured. Ideally, it should be separated into a quarantine or hospital tank Check water chemistry first, even if you've done it already. You can use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence (0ppm) of ammonia and nitrites, with nitrates at 20ppm or less. Perform partial water changes to correct or stabilize water chemistry. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent additional stress or shock. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 68F and 74F. Change no more than 30% of the volume at one time. In the absence of other symptoms or injury, medications cannot be recommended. You can use plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Kosher salt) as a general tonic to decrease stress, increase gill function and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt per 2 gallons of water in a cup of tank water and
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I am wondering why goldfish are settling in the far back corner of my tank with their dorsal fins down. For the past day they have been swimming much less than usual and are less energetic. The water condition is excellent.
Thanks for reaching out about your goldfish. If multiple fish are involved, water quality, infectious diseases, and toxicities should be considered. Once again, test water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrates, and nitrates. Correct any concerns. Water temperature should be monitored and adjusted. If these things are fine, a veterinary visit is needed to provide further answers. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My goldfish is staying at the bottom of the tank and is bent at an angle. Sometimes he frantically swims for 1 sec. He also doesn't/can't eat. What do I do?
Goldfish sit at the bottom of a tank when they are not well, often because toxins have built up in the water. Goldfish are usually active, and lethargy is a sign of illness. Maintaining good water quality is essential for proper aquarium care. In the enclosed, finite space of a fish tank, toxic elements, such as ammonia and nitrates, can build up in the water causing disease and killing fish. The only way to detect and control toxins is to perform regular chemical tests on the water and to perform gradual water changes to remove impurities and maintain the proper water parameters.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My fish can’t open it’s mouth, and Is resting on the bottom of the tank, has a swim then goes back to the bottom of the tank
Check the water chemistry and quality first. Elevated ammonia or nitrite levels can be toxic. Partial water changes can be done to stabilize and improve water chemistry. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. For goldfish, a range of 65F to 72F is recommended. Check the filter and rinse the sponge with tank water, not tap water, to spare beneficial bacterial populations and to maintain water quality. The tank may not be large enough to support 5 goldfish. Generally, 20 gallons should be allowed for the first goldfish then a 10 additional gallons should be provided for each additional goldfish. This is due to the larger than average bio load (wastes) they produce. Consider a larger tank or decrease the number of fish in one tank. Use a filter that is rated for at least twice the volume of the tank and add an airstone and pump for increased oxygenation. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt). Can be used as a general tonic. I
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
hi! I have gold fish in a tank and after doing a 20% water change my fish seems to be in shock just sitting at the bottom of the tank... could it be the PH level change? please help me!
It may be the pH change or other change in water chemistry. Use a home test kit to check water quality. Make adjustments as indicated. It may also be a response to a temperature change. Check water temperature and increase the heat if necessary, just don't forget to turn it down or off once the temp is within range.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My fish was happy until now. I noticed she would dart back and forth erratically, sometimes jumping, and would get red streaks on her body. A week ago I noticed white bumps and thought maybe doing a natural ich treatment would help. During treatment
The water change may have upset the balance in the tank. Check water quality using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. the local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Elevated ammonia or nitrite levels may cause the symptoms reported. Aim for an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. If necessary, perform a partial water change (no more than 30% total volume at a time). Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 65 F and 72 F.
If the symptoms return, use a broad spectrum antibiotic or an "all in one" treatment. Either can be found in the Aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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